Highlights from the Week of November 29, 2021
There's a lot going on in the City Different!
Hail to the Chief! It's Andrew Padilla's Last Day With SFPD
TODAY IS THE LAST DAY ON THE JOB for Chief of Police Andrew Padilla, who's retiring after more than 21 years with the Police Department. Padilla has served as Police Chief for the last three-and-a-half years, the longest tenure in the last 18 years.

Mayor Webber officially proclaims today "Chief Andrew Padilla Day."
 
Chief Padilla has proved his leadership in many roles in the department, including as commander of the SWAT Team and Special Operations, and as Deputy Chief of Administration. He started in patrol, as a field training officer, master firearms instructor, and in criminal investigations. Padilla's notable accomplishments include:
  • Department-wide crisis intervention training and counseling services;
  • Pay raises for officers;
  • $15,000 signing bonuses for lateral officers;
  • Body camera project approval;
  • Community engagement programs with youth.

Chief Padilla says: “It has been an honor working for the City of Santa Fe with so many great men and women of the Police Department over the years. I would personally like to thank them for their professionalism and dedication to the job. I have so much respect for the work they do. They go above and beyond every day, and sacrifice so much to keep this city safe. They have stuck together during these tough times. I continue to remind everyone to respect one another, show compassion, and listen before you make a decision.”

The City is deeply grateful to Chief Padilla, and wishes him the best in future endeavors. Deputy Chief Paul Joye has been named interim Chief while the search for Padilla's replacement is conducted.
MAYOR'S NOTE:
Putting Our Money
Into Our People
If everything goes according to plan, next Wednesday the Governing Body will approve the proposal to pay our 1,200 employees a $2,000 retention bonus for staying with the City. That would mean $1,000 in December and another $1,000 in June for everyone who commits to sticking with us. We’re also offering a $1,000 bonus for new hires.
 
Why? Because you—the people who work for the people of Santa Fe—are our greatest asset. It’s essential that we recognize, reward and keep you. And we have vacancies we need to fill. It’s all about people.
 
Our goal is to be the best and most desirable employer in Northern New Mexico. Reaching that goal will allow us to deliver prompt, professional services to everyone in Santa Fe. The City’s strong financial position in the current fiscal year presents an exciting opportunity to improve our infrastructure and operations—and that means we have an urgent need to grow staff capacity to get the work done.
 
Here’s the good news: We're hiring! If you know anyone who’s looking for a great job with a great team, our HR Department is hosting a rapid-hire event at the GCCC a week from Saturday. We have jobs, we have retention bonuses and we’re offering sign-on bonuses. It’s another reason to celebrate this holiday season!
Plaza Lights Bring Delight!
The Plaza was definitely the place to be last Friday evening, for the lighting ceremony. There was music, there was hot chocolate, there were friends and families, and Santa and Mrs. Claus in a vintage fire truck. And there were lots and lots of lights -- some 30 thousand of them! The Santa Fe New Mexican recognized 11 do-gooders who "made a difference," and several elected officials joined Mayor Webber on the bandstand when he flipped the switch. Now we all get to enjoy the festive lights for the rest of the holiday season.
Preview: Holiday In Santa Fe
Television audiences are soon to learn how enchanting our hometown is at this time of year when the Lifetime Network starts showing Holiday in Santa Fe next Friday. The feel-good family Christmas movie starring Mario Lopez was shot here last year, with the help of the Santa Fe Film Office. The production employed approximately 20 New Mexico crew members and 50 New Mexico background talent. Locals can get a sneak peek at Violet Crown on Sunday by ordering tickets from santafe.violetcrown.com. Tickets only cost one dollar, thanks to the theater.
The Little Libraries That Could
The fourth and final (for now, at least) installment of Meow Wolf's Little Library project was unveiled at Rancho del Sol Park on the Southside, near Chavez Elementary. This one is artist Ben Ortega’s "Phonics Character." Councilor Lindell spearheaded the project, and she was joined at the unveiling by District 3 Councilor Rivera and Councilor-elect Garcia, and the Meow Wolf team. Find the other little libraries at GCCC, Fort Marcy, and Salvador Perez. Feel free to donate books and of course, take one. You never know what you'll find in a little library.
We're Hiring, and Fast!
The Human Resources Department will hold a rapid-hiring event at the Genoveva Chavez Community Center on December 11 to assist in completing job applications, provide career counseling, and host on-the-spot job interviews. The City will even issue offer letters during this exciting event, and the new hires would be eligible for a proposed $1,000 hiring bonus! Interested parties are urged to consult the City’s employment page: How to Apply For Jobs | City of Santa Fe, New Mexico (santafenm.gov)
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